Beige to Almost Black: How to Pick the Right Brown
Warm your home with paint the color of lattes, espresso and chocolate
I believe homeowners love earthy neutrals for two main reasons: These hues go well with just about any other color, and they have a natural, organic quality that makes them safe. Although some people are moving away from beige and brown paint in favor of gray, these colors are still mainstays for those who love warm neutrals. Earth tones will always have a special place in design because they are constant colors in nature and in our popular culture: lattes, espressos, khakis, chocolate, and even the UPS truck. These hues can be bold or bashful, and they fit easily into our homes. Here are some tips for picking the best brown paint color, from beige to almost black.
More paint color guides
More paint color guides
Subtle beige. This beige tint is the quintessential neutral. It goes with everything, and it’s light and airy tone does not close in a space nor does it ever take the attention away from other furnishings. In this space, the red buffet doesn’t have to fight for attention.
Paint pick: Reliable White 6091 by Sherwin-Williams
Paint pick: Reliable White 6091 by Sherwin-Williams
Golden tan. Neutrals with honey-orange undertones are very popular with homeowners who want to bring out the tones of their hardwood floors and other wood furnishings. Golden tan is very inviting and makes a cozy color choice for a foyer or transitional spaces.
Try a transitional accent bench for a functional foyer
Paint pick: Bagel 6114 by Sherwin-Williams
Try a transitional accent bench for a functional foyer
Paint pick: Bagel 6114 by Sherwin-Williams
Putty. Putty is typically a mid-tone beige that has slight green undertones. As shown here on the left wall, this color makes a great, earthy backdrop for colorful artwork.
Paint pick: Urban Putty 7532 by Sherwin-Williams
Paint pick: Urban Putty 7532 by Sherwin-Williams
Taupe. This hue is showing up more often as homeowners look for a neutral that is somewhat different. Taupe is a cool beige but it’s pinkish undertones actually make it appear warm. Just be careful – some lighter tints of taupe will look pink once painted on the wall.
Brighten bathrooms with white bathroom vanities
Paint pick: Threshold Taupe 7501 by Sherwin-Williams
Brighten bathrooms with white bathroom vanities
Paint pick: Threshold Taupe 7501 by Sherwin-Williams
Auburn. Reddish browns have a rustic quality to them because they are associated with clay and terra cotta (which literally means 'baked earth'). Because of the red undertones, this type of brown has an energy that the cooler browns don't have.
Paint pick: Arresting Auburn 6034 by Sherwin-Williams
Paint pick: Arresting Auburn 6034 by Sherwin-Williams
Chocolate. Warm browns are simply delicious which is why they work so well in the kitchen. They are the color of truffles, chocolate chips and more. It's hard not to feel a bit euphoric when surrounded by this yummy color.
Paint pick: Hasbrouck Brown HC-71 by Benjamin Moore
Paint pick: Hasbrouck Brown HC-71 by Benjamin Moore
Espresso. This color is truly a ‘brown’ brown. It’s undertones are hard to detect, so it is a very strong hue that will easily anchor a larger space. Because of it’s solid quality, vibrant accent colors – such as the teal in this room – make a great addition because they complement the richness of the brown.
Hire a home decorator for a color consultation
Paint pick: Branchport Brown HC-72 by Benjamin Moore
Hire a home decorator for a color consultation
Paint pick: Branchport Brown HC-72 by Benjamin Moore
Brown Black. The deepest shades of brown are very close to appearing black, so they are bold yet elegant. This hue represents the richest and most fertile part of the earth which can be very comforting even though it is such a dark hue.
Paint pick: Night Shade 2116-10 by Benjamin Moore
More:
How to Find the Right Gray
How to Find the Right Blue
How to Find the Right White
How to Find the Right Green
Paint pick: Night Shade 2116-10 by Benjamin Moore
More:
How to Find the Right Gray
How to Find the Right Blue
How to Find the Right White
How to Find the Right Green
Paint pick: Tapestry Beige OC-32 by Benjamin Moore
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